Young family wishes for good luck

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.

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Even a long streak of bad luck can change.

That’s how “Zoe” sees it.

Zoe said her family’s rough year began last December, when her husband “Adam” was in a workplace accident that put him out of commission for months. His injuries have had a long-lasting impact.

“He’ll probably have issues forever,” Zoe said.

Just when he had recovered enough to return to work, Adam was laid off from his job due to the pandemic.

With a toddler and a baby on the way, the family’s situation was precarious. It was a struggle to keep up with bills. They had to put their search for a bigger place on hold and remain in a studio apartment that was too small for their growing family.

Adam found a new job, however, about a month before their second child was born.

“It’s a blessing,” Zoe said.

Just when things were looking up, the family’s car was stolen the day before Thanksgiving.

“All our kids’ stuff was in it,” Zoe said.

Though the car was ultimately recovered — another stroke of good luck among the bad, Zoe said — major repairs are needed. Just one part that has to be replaced costs $500, more than Adam and Zoe can afford to pay.

“Parts are hard to find because of how old the car is,” she said.

Despite the ups and downs, Zoe remains optimistic. Life has a way of working out, she said.

For now, she continues to hope her family’s luck will turn around once again in time for Christmas — not for her and her husband, but for their children.

“When you have little kids, you’ve got to protect them over anything else,” she said.

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This is the 35th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and mentally ill.

Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. The beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Please help. Make your tax-deductible donation today any of four ways:

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

• Go to cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2020 at the top of the page.

• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown CDA.

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Donors:

Teri Becker Smith; Mike and Rachel Irish; Dennis Keim; Ronald Clundt; Oram and Sandra Kramer; Susan M.C. Engebretson; Barbara Hudson; Clifford and Sharon Harris; Larry and Laureen Belmont; Claudia and Dennis Stevens; Sandra Kay; Meryl Mackey; Mark and Vicki Cole; Richard and Marilyn Moore; Rebecca Vestman; Joanne Hellawell; Carla Hauer; Tiofilo and Kimberly Vidales; The Crawfords; Robert and Kristin Mcilvenna; Virginia Johnson; Robert and Pamela Meunier; Wilma and John Ednie; Forrest Weldon; Aloys Glose; Leslie and Nancy Biby; Larry and Sharon Strobel; Joann and K.V. Nelson; Jim and Donna Runge; Kevin and Diana Mchenry; Gayle and Thomas Anthony; R.F. Link; Jeanne and James Whaley; Donna E. Moring; Ray and Jacqueline Brewer; Connie Cox-Wesson; Troy and Barbara Newsom; Doug and Mary Somers; In memory of Sherry Banducie; In memory of Ray and Ruth Jones; Merrill and Vonda Kerr; J.G. and A.M. Evans; Dorothy Clock; Marialyce Miller; Del and Lucille Bradshaw; Jack and Gail Thompson; William Todd; Marvin Blakely; Peggy Davis; James and Peggy Sorenson; Billie Newsom; Sherry and Dennis Irish; Nona Trujillo; Richard and Lyn Gerhard; In memory of Beverly Payne; Vicki and Chris Miller; In loving memory of our Moms and Sandee, Sam and Pam Whitaker

OVER $500

Steve and Kylie Hudson; Alliant Employee Benefits; Jim and Linda Hudec; Charles Bean; Joanne K. Smith; Shawn Swanby; David and Karen Crouse; Bud Sanders; Tom and Colleen Tracy; Brian and Dana Kroetch; Lyndel Newsom; CDF Landscape Professionals; Brad and Kerry Noback; In memory of Peggy Domit